Think Big times it right in G2 Twin Spires Turf Sprint

Think Big added another major prize to his blossoming profile as he swooped late to claim back-to-back G2 wins in the Twin Spires Turf Sprint at Churchill Downs, USA, on Saturday, 3 May.

Trained by Michael Stidham, the Twirling Candy homebred was looking to take his unbeaten record on turf to four having closed strongly to take the G2 Shakertown Stakes at Keeneland’s Spring Meet.

Ben Curtis rousted Think Big leaving the stalls to track the leaders in fifth of the 10 runners before moving up a place leaving the back.

The Godolphin four-year-old ranged up on the outside of Run Carson to go third at the top of the lane but still had four lengths to make up when Boss Sully took charge in front a furlong and a half out.

Think Big flashed home, grabbing second from Coppola approaching the final half-furlong and catching Boss Sully in the final strides for a three-quarter length success.

Ben Curtis said: “Think Big hasn’t looked back since he has got on the grass and every start has been better than the last. He is getting better with racing, he’s learning to relax in the preliminaries and do everything the right way. He is the best turf sprinter around at the moment and a credit to Mike, Hilary [Pridham, assistant trainer] and the team.

“He ran on a soft course at Keeneland, after all the rain they had there, and that wasn’t an issue. He handles quick ground equally well and broke the track record in his maiden on the dirt at Colonial Downs, so he’s very versatile.

“Getting him to relax has been a long process, so credit to everyone in the barn because they have done a great job with this horse. He’s a gelding, so hopefully we can go and have a lot of fun with him.”